Which slip lead is right for me?
- Sue
- Jan 29
- 4 min read
This is one of the most common questions we are asked, and the answer is not as simple as it may seem. Choosing a lead is like choosing a pair of boots – there will be some market favourites but ultimately the choice is very much a personal one and down to what suits you best.
If you’re new to using a slip lead, the choices can be confusing. There are now so many different options on the market, and that’s before we consider the sometimes contradictory information about slip leads that you can find on the internet or social media forums (we won’t touch on that here but you can read more on that particular subject in our blog ‘It’s not the tool, it’s how its’s used’). With that in mind, we’re going to cover a few of the most popular choices and also give you some questions to consider, so that you can make an informed choice.
What thickness and length do you need?
Slip leads usually range from 5mm to 12mm in thickness and from just under a meter to over 1.5 meters in length. When choosing which one is going to work best for you, think about how you are going to use it and what breed of dog it is for. Thicker, heavier leads are usually more suitable for larger breeds of dogs and may be too cumbersome for a small cocker spaniel for example. Similarly, for a taller breed of dog, where their neck is closer to your hand, you may want a shorter length of lead, so you don’t have to wrap the excess around it.
If you are neatening up heelwork, you may find a shorter length lead makes it easier to keep the dog in the correct position, next to your leg, so this may be an important consideration.
Comfort should also come into the equation. Very slim leads are great for control and for being easy to fold up and pop in a pocket, but they can be harsher on the hands if you have a dog that can still pull from time to time. If that is the case, you may wish to start off with a slightly thicker lead until heelwork is 100%.
Type of material
The traditional rope leads are still very popular – they are hardwearing, washable, cost effective, and are usually fitted with a rubber or leather stopper.
Thinner leads, such as the Field Trial style, are made from braided nylon and can be fitted with a plastic, sprung stopper. These types of stoppers are great for staying put at the required position on the lead. The leads are also hardwearing and dry out quickly.
Similarly, biothane is now becoming a popular material for leads – hardwearing and easy to keep clean, they require very little maintenance and are soft to hold.
At the more expensive end of the scale are the softer leads, often made from climbing rope or similar, or handmade leather options. These require regular care to ensure the leather doesn’t deteriorate but, if treated well, they will last the lifetime of the dog.
Does colour make a difference?
It certainly does if you drop it in the middle of a field or while beating through a wood. While the more traditional colours of green and black look very smart, many have been lost and never found again when dropped. Bright colours are steadily becoming popular because they can be easily found again – a luminous orange is easily seen in the middle of a green field.
Again, colour is a very personal choice. Some people just go with their favourite colour or one that is complementary to the colour of their dog. Other people will only ever choose the colour of their football or F1 team.
Other points to think about
The slip lead is designed to be easy to slip on and off the dog and should also allow for the ‘collar’ end to easily and quickly tighten and loosen. If you try a lead and, provided you have fitted it correctly, it doesn’t loosen correctly, then that isn’t the lead that you want. Make sure it has a smooth ring or thimble to ensure that it glides smoothly up and down the body of the lead.
If you have a dog that is very ‘busy’, you may want to opt for a lead that has a swivel somewhere on the body. This allows the dog to move without the lead becoming wound round, which can stop the correct glide of the lead.
Some slip leads are also now fitted with dual stoppers. While one is to stop the lead from sliding off the dog, the second is to stop the lead from becoming too tight around the neck of the dog.
Lastly, if you want the benefit of a thin slip lead but like the feel of a softer handle, then you can combine a slip collar with a clip lead. Best of both worlds!
For further advice on the correct way to fit and use a slip lead, you can watch a short video made by Field & Fireside Ambassador, Jemma Martin, on our YouTube channel.
You can view our full collection of slip leads and collars on our website.
Some of our best sellers:
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